1 Please read the following Biblical verses.
- Rev. 6:12-15
- Rev. 8:7-10
- Rev. 21:5-6
- March 13:, 22-26
3. Locate FOUR images that you can connect with "Ragnork
4. Final Exam! Please start preparing for it NOW!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Thursday, May 10, 2012
HOMEWORK:
1 Please read the following Biblical verses.
3. Locate FOUR images that you can connect with "Ragnork
4. Final Exam! Please start preparing for it NOW!
1 Please read the following Biblical verses.
3. Locate FOUR images that you can connect with "Ragnork
4. Final Exam! Please start preparing for it NOW!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
Today in class, we reviewed the final section of BEOWULF, and then I reviewed the take-home questions for your quiz. The questions are located below. We then started our discussion regarding Norse death customs. Each student received a handout and we viewed several images via a power point.
HOMEWORK:
1. One
important poetic device in Old English is the "kenning," a compound
word in which one thing is described by a fanciful two-word metaphor.
For example, the sea is described as a "whale-road,” Hrothgar is
described as a "ring-giver,” and a murderer is described as a
"corpse-maker.” What effect do these kennings have on you as a reader?
How do they add to the poetic atmosphere of the epic? Locate additional
kennings, besides those that we identify together and to those indicated above, and indicate the importance of your
chosen kennings.
2. As discussed in class, Fate plays a significant role in Norse myths. How much control do the characters in Beowulf
have over their fates? Are skilled warriors any more likely to succeed
than cowards? Include textual evidence from the poem to support your
response.
3. Beowulf represents the successful blending of pagan and Christian elements. These elements are incorporated side-by-side in the epic. Describe
and explain the placement of these elements including readers’
acceptance of both. Support your response with textual evidence.
4. In Beowulf, the distribution of wealth is an essential part of the social structure. How important is wealth in Beowulf, and how does it relate to other Norse myths we have discussed. Support your response with textual evidence.
5. According
to the archetypal heroic pattern, is Beowulf a “true” hero? Review the
nine traits and indicate if Beowulf’s character follows the archetype.
Is Beowulf an ideal hero and king? Is there anything lacking in his
character? Support your response with textual evidence. In addition, why
is the concept of fame and glory so significant to the Norse warrior? Support your response with textual evidence.
Friday, May 4, 2012
May 4th, 2012
Dear Students,
If you missed class today, your "Final Exam" was introduced to you. I have included a copy of the explanation for it below.
FINAL EXAM DUE DATE: TUES. May 22nd for B1 and B2
FINAL EXAM DUE DATE: THURS. May 24th for B4
If you missed class today, your "Final Exam" was introduced to you. I have included a copy of the explanation for it below.
FINAL EXAM DUE DATE: TUES. May 22nd for B1 and B2
FINAL EXAM DUE DATE: THURS. May 24th for B4
- Final Exam ExplanationMythology
Mrs. Kori Crampton
Due Date __________________
Consider the following questions?
What have you learned this year?
How has your study of Mythology heightened your understanding of popular culture, literature and the world around you?
Explanation: As discussed on numerous occasions, mythological allusions and references are frequently found in modern culture. Through a knowledge of mythology, one’s understanding of literary work and popular culture increases.
You are required to select five of the ten options listed below to illustrate your understanding of mythology. You may use examples connected with either Greek or Norse Mythology.
1.Advertisement using mythological reference and/or allusions.
2.Album covers using mythological references and/or allusions.
3.Book title using mythological references and/or allusions.
4.Vocabulary word used in literary work.
5. Reference or allusion within a literary work.
6. Comic strip/cartoon using mythological references and/or allusions.
7. Company names or insignias using mythological references and/or allusions.
8. Norse motifs found in other literary work. This option is compulsory!
9. Artwork with mythological references and/or allusions.
10. Errors pertaining to any mythological character/concept found in advertising literary work.
The following requirements are compulsory:
1. A hard copy of each example (photo copies will suffice if your example is found in a book).
2. The Internet may not be used to locate your examples.
3. For each example provided, an explanation must also be included as to why the mythological reference/allusion is an appropriate choice. What is the point of using mythology in advertising? For the book title? Etc.
4. The explanations need to accompany the hard copy of your examples. I expect them to be 10-20 sentences in length. Assume your audience has no schema regarding the mythology used in the selected examples; therefore, your explanations need to be thorough.
5. You may not repeat mythological references and/or allusions. So, if you locate an allusion to Pandora in a cartoon, then you can’t include an example regarding Pandora for another option.
6. You may not use examples shared with you in class (ie. “Apollo Burger”, “Midas Mufler”, “Nike”, “Ajax Cleaner”)
7. Your exam needs to be submitted in an aesthetically pleasing way. Each example should be mounted on a piece of cardstock with the corresponding explanation on the opposite page. Page protectors are appreciated, but not compulsory. I would suggest a three ring binder purely for organizational purposes!
8. A title page needs to be included with the following information.
Your Name
Period
Date
List of options you selected for your final exam.
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
Our introduction to the epic poem Beowulf took place on Thursday, May 5th.
Each student received a handout detailing the poem. I have included a
copy of it below, but the format is different from the one given in
class. Please read the information below so that when you return to
class on Tuesday, you will have some schema for the poem.
BEOWULFIn
1936, J.R.R. Tolkien delivered a lecture before members of the British
Academy entitled “Beowulf: The Monsters and critics.” Tolkien remarked,
“Beowulf is in fact so interesting as poetry, that it overshadows other
pieces of the same period. It is the greatest achievement of Old
English literature.
The Beowulf manuscript, written about 1000 A.D., was preserved in
ways unknown. It is one of few Anglo-Saxon pieces of literature to
survive Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries and their
magnificent libraries in the late 1530’s.
Once Henry separated himself from the Catholic Church, most references to Catholicism, including written texts, were destroyed due to Henry claiming they were “pagan” in origin. The manuscripts housed in the monasteries were then ripped apart and used to polish candlesticks, clean boots and furniture, some were sold as scrap paper to grocers and soap makers; some were sent to bookbinders, who cut them into strips and used them to form the book covers of other books. Somehow, a single manuscript managed to survive this travesty. Yes, the epic poem known as Beowulf. However, the current manuscript is not the original, but a copy, in two distinct hand writings. How many other copies existed, or how close to the original this particular version actually is, we will never know. This copy survived a fire in 1731; however, the top and outer edges of the manuscript were damaged. Fortunately, due to ultra-violet photography, the chard sections, that were once gaps, have now been translated. The poem still bears the scars of the fire. The Beowulf poem is significant because it is a miraculous survivor of the ravages of history. It is now housed in the British Library London, England. I am sure that you will enjoy reading it.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
Beowulf is an epic poem, a work of fiction, centered on the main character, Beowulf, and his fight with three monsters. Beowulf blends a fairytale type of narrative, where monsters are defeated with the hero receiving honor and fame. The always relevant theme of “Good vs. Evil” is significant to this piece of literature. The battle between Grendle, Grendle’s mother, and the Dragon illustrate a society that valued war and aristocracy. Layers of morality, tenderness, and piety are intermixed in Beowulf, with the glorification of war, death, and fame. The Beowulf poet captures battle scenes with magnificent skill and vividness in this poem about kings and kingship.
#1
“…He ruled Land on all sides: where ever the sea would take them, his soldiers sailed, returned with tribute and obedience. There was a brace King!” (8-12)
#2
“Then the monster charged again, omitting fire, wild with pain, rushed out fierce and dreadful, its fear forgotten watching for its chance it drove its tusks into Beowulf’s neck; he staggered, the blood came flooding forth, fell like the rain.” (2688-2693)
#3
“… No female, no matter how fierce, could have come with a man’s strength, fought with power and courage men fight with. Smashing their shining swords, their bloody, hammer-forged blades onto boar-headed helmets, slashing and stabbing with the sharpest points.” (1282-1287)
The significance of battle against supernatural forces is what moves the poet, in addition to the hero’s driving force for glory. The strong fighter, the hero, the man who wins that most precious of all treasures, fame, is the man who never gives up, and who does not worry about the possible consequences of bravery.
#4
“… so fame Comes to the men who means to win it, and care about nothing else.”
(1534-1536)
#5
“… I am old now, But I will fight again, seek fame still…” (2512-2513)
“…But the brave old Swede felt no fear; he quickly returned a better blow than he’d gotten, and struck the beast savagely again…”
(2967-2970)
#6
“…Grendle Saw that his strength was deserting him, his claws bound fast, Beowulf tearing at his claws. The monster’s hatred rose higher, but power had gone. He twisted in pain…”
(811-815)
Beowulf is a Swedish Geat (Nordic tribe in Sweden), who comes to aid the Danes (Nordic tribe in Denmark) to defeat Grendle, a monster who has terrorized them for years. When Grendle’s mother appears, hungry for revenge due to the killing of her son, Beowulf follows her back to her watery lair and kills her too. Showered with gifts from the Danes, he returns to Sweden where he becomes a great leader of his people. Many years pass, and he faces the threat of an angry fire-breathing dragon, aroused by the theft of a jeweled cup from its treasure hoard. The aging hero kills the dragon, only after suffering a mortal wound, and then dies himself. The Geats bury Beowulf’s ashes in an earthen tower at the sea’s edge, to guide sailors from far and wide.
Principle Character and Terms:
Hrothgar (Dane/Denmark/King of Danes/mead hall is ravaged by Grendle)
Wiglaf: Beowulf’s nephew/fights with B. against the Dragon
Herot/name of mead hall built by Hrothgar
Wergild: “Life for Life”
Unferth: best Danish warrior; jealous of Beowulf
Hygelac: King of Geats (Sweden); Beowulf’s uncle
Beowulf: Geat/protagonist
Brecca: Beowulf’s Childhood friend
Wyrd (urd): unalterable fate/ predetermination of life
Background on Poet and Significance of Poem
The poem is full of Christian sentiments, superimposed with a pagan code of battle, heroism, and kingship. The poet was either a Christian or was familiar with and influenced by Christianity. Some scholars believe that some monkish hand could have added the Christian references to improve and correct an essentially pagan epic. Most of the Christianity within Beowulf can not be so easily dismissed as there is too much of it. “Let God be thanked!” cries Hrothgar when the Danes assemble to celebrate Beowulf’s victory over Grendle. These are his first words; he goes on, almost at once, to assert with great feeling that
“…the Almighty makes miracles
When He pleases, wonder after wonder, and this world
Rests in His hands…” (960-962)
In addition, the poet describes Grendle as being a relation of Cain.
“He was spawn in that slime, Shut away from men; they split
Conceived by a pair of those monsters born Into a thousand forms of evil-spirits and
Of Cain, murderous creatures banished fiends, goblins, monsters, giants,
By God, punished forever for the crime of A brood forever opposing the Lord’s
Abel’s death. The Almighty drove those demons Will, and again and again defeated.”
Out, and their exile was bitter, (103-114)
It is God, who leads Beowulf into victory over Grendle’s vicious mother, once Beowulf has proved that he is willing and able to help himself. The essential nature of this Christianity may not be quite the same as those found in California, London, or Utah, but it is an integral part of the poet’s though and his view of life. The poet is quite skilled at blending pagan beliefs with Christianity. Personally I find it hard to believe that he wasn’t a Christian. If not, he must have had significant interaction with individuals that were of that faith. This is a mystery surrounding the poet that will never be solved as he never openly declared his faith!
We do know several aspects about the Beowulf poet, his name unfortunately, is not one of them. We know that he was an Anglo-Saxon, as the poem is written in his language (Old-English), who must have had some contact with the Vikings. This would have been a strong possibility, as the Vikings had settlements in England between 680-1010 A.D. The central settings of the poem are Sweden, Denmark, and several names occur within the poem in association with Norse religion; these include Hermod and Woden. Beowulf is also described as a Viking by the poet. In addition, the Norse believed in the concept of Wyrd (pronounced ‘urd’) which translated means, “that which will happen.” It is mentioned several times within the poem, and seems to take on a female persona.
HOMEWORK:
2. Students were asked to complete their "take-home" quiz regarding "Idun's Apples" and "Necklace of the Brisings" (Due Monday)
- If you missed class, please visit with me, so I can give you a "take-home" quiz
I look forward to reading Beowulf with you next week.
Cheers,
Crampton
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Wednesday, April 18th, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
Please make sure that you are prepared for your reading quiz scheduled for Friday, April 20th. The myths that you need to have read include the following:
1. "Mead of Poetry" pgs. 26-322.
2. "The Treasures of the Gods" pgs. 48-53
3. "Njord and Skadi" pgs. 44
Your quiz will be different, again, as it is an oral quiz. I promise it will make sense when I see you on Wednesday. You will need to support your responses by using examples from the myths. MAKE SURE YOU READ THEM! The following questions will be used for the Socratic discussion we will have on Tuesday:
1.. The name “Bolverk” translated means “evil one.” Explain why you think Odin selected this name for the character he portrays in “Mead of Poetry.” Support your answers with examples from the myth.
2. Agree or disagree with the following statement by Odin, and then justify your response. “To be a poet, that is the finest calling.”
3. Consider the “host/guest” relationships within “The Mead of Poetry.” How are these relationships different and/or similar to those in the Greek myths? Support your idea with examples from “The Mead of Poetry” and any Greek myth.
4. The “quest for knowledge” is a strong motif in “The Mead of Poetry.” Primitive societies venerated poets in association with their leaders and gods; however, in some cultures the desire to learn was considered dangerous. Express your ideas concerning both “frames of thought.”
5. What could Sif’s hair represent? (What could it symbolize?) Explain your ideas.
6. What are Loki’s motive, both hidden and apparent, in the myth “Treasures of the Gods?” Explain.
7. Which group of gifts, in your opinion, is more superior? Support your reasoning.
In addition, don't forget that your memorized poem, and the explanation that goes along with it, are due on Wednesday, April 26. Please remember the following:
1. Make sure your poem is memorized
2. Make sure you have included a typed explanation as to why you value the poem and the meaning behind the piece.
3. Remember to include a copy of the poem beneath your explanation.
Please make sure that you are prepared for your reading quiz scheduled for Friday, April 20th. The myths that you need to have read include the following:
1. "Mead of Poetry" pgs. 26-322.
2. "The Treasures of the Gods" pgs. 48-53
3. "Njord and Skadi" pgs. 44
Your quiz will be different, again, as it is an oral quiz. I promise it will make sense when I see you on Wednesday. You will need to support your responses by using examples from the myths. MAKE SURE YOU READ THEM! The following questions will be used for the Socratic discussion we will have on Tuesday:
1.. The name “Bolverk” translated means “evil one.” Explain why you think Odin selected this name for the character he portrays in “Mead of Poetry.” Support your answers with examples from the myth.
2. Agree or disagree with the following statement by Odin, and then justify your response. “To be a poet, that is the finest calling.”
3. Consider the “host/guest” relationships within “The Mead of Poetry.” How are these relationships different and/or similar to those in the Greek myths? Support your idea with examples from “The Mead of Poetry” and any Greek myth.
4. The “quest for knowledge” is a strong motif in “The Mead of Poetry.” Primitive societies venerated poets in association with their leaders and gods; however, in some cultures the desire to learn was considered dangerous. Express your ideas concerning both “frames of thought.”
5. What could Sif’s hair represent? (What could it symbolize?) Explain your ideas.
6. What are Loki’s motive, both hidden and apparent, in the myth “Treasures of the Gods?” Explain.
7. Which group of gifts, in your opinion, is more superior? Support your reasoning.
In addition, don't forget that your memorized poem, and the explanation that goes along with it, are due on Wednesday, April 26. Please remember the following:
1. Make sure your poem is memorized
2. Make sure you have included a typed explanation as to why you value the poem and the meaning behind the piece.
3. Remember to include a copy of the poem beneath your explanation.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Thursday, April 5th, 2012
The role of fate in Norse Mythology
If you missed class, we completed the following:
1. We completed obtaining more information regarding the gods!
2. We then started to discuss different motifs found within Norse Myths.
3. Journal #12 "Fate vs. Choice"
Part 1: Are we victims of inescapable fate, or do we have the power to create our own destiny? Some believe that fate leaves them with feelings of helplessness, while others believe that a belief in fate gives them a sense of reassurance and comfort. What do you believe? Thoroughly explain your response. Indicate your impressions of the Norse belief in fate, specifically in relationship to the "power" and "lack of power" it provides the Norse gods.
Part 2: The film Serendipity focuses on the idea that fate controls our destiny. As you view the clip, discuss the legitimate and absurd aspects regarding the concept of fate depicted in the film.
4. We continued by discussing the journal entry. Fate is a strong motif in Norse myths; consequently, it is valuable to consider your own concepts regarding this topic.
5. We started reading the myths.......FINALLY!
"The War of the Aesir and Vanir" pgs.7-8
""The Building of Asgard's Wall" pgs. 9-14
Friday, March 30, 2012
Welcome to the Runes
Quiz covering the gods, unusual characters and introduction to the Runes
Dear Mythology Students,Your homework for Tuesday, April 3rd is the following:
The Runes are placed around this rendering of Odin riding Sleipnir.
We covered an extensive amount of information today in class. We completed the back of your yellow sheet. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON FRIDAY covering our discussion today. If you complete your flashcards (28), you are welcome to use seven on your quiz. The following characters relate to your quiz:
1. Your handout covering your Norse God is due on Tuesday (03/04). Please see the blue handout in your packet.
B1 KATRINA: Your god is THOR
2. Read the purple handout in your packet entitled "Runes" (if you were absent)
3. Please read "The Pantheon" section in your textbook located on pgs. xxv-xxxii. Please develop a list of 25 notations using ALL YOUR COLORS!
B1 KATRINA: Your god is THOR
2. Read the purple handout in your packet entitled "Runes" (if you were absent)
3. Please read "The Pantheon" section in your textbook located on pgs. xxv-xxxii. Please develop a list of 25 notations using ALL YOUR COLORS!
WHAT ARE RUNES?
Runes are the letters of the ancient Scandinavian people. According to myth, the Runes were created by Odin. In his quest to obtain more knowledge, he stabbed and then hanged himself from Yggdrasil. As he was hanging, and of course, bleeding to death, the weight of his body forced dead branches from Yggdrasil to land in Gunnungagap. The branches fell in unusual patterns, hence creating the Runes. Originally, eighteen Runes were created, but as the Scandinavian language changed, more letters were required.
Each Rune represents a letter, has a sound, name, and has magical powers associated with it. Odin touches each of the eighteen Runes, and therefore he is given knowledge that other characters in Norse Mythology do not have. For example, one of the Runes taught Odin how to return from the dead. Another teaches him how to woo women. One Rune gives him the power to read and write.....etc.
The Runes are placed around this rendering of Odin riding Sleipnir.
We covered an extensive amount of information today in class. We completed the back of your yellow sheet. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON FRIDAY covering our discussion today. If you complete your flashcards (28), you are welcome to use seven on your quiz. The following characters relate to your quiz:
Odin
Thor
Frigg (a)
Balder
Loki
Hel
Tyr
Heimdall
Hermod
Idun
Njord
Freyr
Frejya
Hugin
Mugin
Norns
Valkyries
Fenrir
Jormungand
Jotenheim
Jormungand
Ragnorok
Mjolnir
Slepnir
Vahalla
Aesir
Vanir
Asgard
Midgard
Ratatosk
I have also included a practice quiz. Remember you will receive extra-credit for completing the quiz.
PRACTICE QUIZ!
1. I am Odin's "thought." _________________
2. I am Odin's "Memory." _________________
3. Mother to Balder; Friday; weaves the clouds ______________
4. Loves gold; hates war ____________________
5. Strong senses _________________
6. Trickster _______________
7. The end of the Norse World is called ______________
8. I have eight legs. _______________
9. Wednesday ______________
10. The "heaven" in the land of the gods is called ____________
11. Loki is our father 11.______________12.______________13.____________
14. I have a special hammer _______________
15. Apples are my favorite fruit. _________________
16. Well of past, present and future ____________________
1. I am Odin's "thought." _________________
2. I am Odin's "Memory." _________________
3. Mother to Balder; Friday; weaves the clouds ______________
4. Loves gold; hates war ____________________
5. Strong senses _________________
6. Trickster _______________
7. The end of the Norse World is called ______________
8. I have eight legs. _______________
9. Wednesday ______________
10. The "heaven" in the land of the gods is called ____________
11. Loki is our father 11.______________12.______________13.____________
14. I have a special hammer _______________
15. Apples are my favorite fruit. _________________
16. Well of past, present and future ____________________
Monday, March 19, 2012
March 20th, 2012
Introduction to Norse Mythology
Dear Mythology Students,
Norse Mythology are the stories of the Scandanavian people. The Norse were extremely skilled at sea faring; consequently, they were exposed to different cultures. The Norse came upon the Romans, who in turn, hired them as mercenaries. The Roman culture was extremely advanced; consequently, the Norseman adopted some of their belief system into their own culture. This is why when we start to read the myths you will note some strong similarities to Greek Mythology. Remember that the Romans stole their religion from the Greeks. Another important point that you need to know involves the conversion of the Romans to Christianity. The Norseman continued to be influenced by the Roman culture, and therefore they also adopted Christian influences into their mythology, as well.
Everyone of you should have a new textbook, and a "packet" of handouts that will be used during the next two weeks. Your homework assignments for THURS. include the following:
1. Please read pages xiv-xx in the "Introduction" section of your book.
2. Create a list of 20 notations from the reading that you found interesting.
Norse Mythology is difficult to fully explain in this forum, but I will do my best.......In the beginning, no formed matter exists. This enormous chasm of unorganized matter is called GUNNUNGAGAP! To the north of Gunnungagap is an immense area of frozen ice. This area is called NIFLHEIM.
Suddenly these two regions begin to move closer together. The heat from Muspelheim causes the ice from Niflheim to melt and droplets of water land in Gunnungagap. Some how and I don't know exactly how this happens, and neither did the Nordic people, so you just have to accept it, two important beings are created at the same time......an enormous man called Ymir, who is also called a "frost giant" and a cow whose name is Adumla. I know, it's a little unusual.
Ymir begins to suck on the teats of Audumla, so she is nourishing this evil frost giant, and then he begins to "give birth" to other frost giants. As he is sucking on the teats of the cow, Ymir begins to sweat and his sweat morphs into other giants. In the mean time, Audumla begins to lick some of the ice from Niflheim that did not melt when Muspelheim moved close to it. Every place her saliva touches a human form is created. You can see this depicted in the image above. The individual that is created from the saliva is known as BURI. He is entirely positive. He, in turn, gives birth to two individuals; their names are BOR and BESTLA. Bor is a male and Bestla is a famale. These two have three children whose names are Odin, Vili, and Ve. Odin becomes the king of the Norse Gods because he is recognized as the "first born."
Odin, Vili, and Ve recognize that Ymir is "birthing" evil frost giants, so they feel compelled to destory him. Upon his murder they take his body and use it to create the world of humans, giants, and dwarfs known as Midgard.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Thursday, March 8th, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope your "day off" was beneficial for you.
If you missed class we completed the following:
1. We defined the word "MOTIF" and then identified several motifs for both epic poems.
2. You were then introduced to another assignment entitled "Dateline Troy/Ithaca" where the motifs will be useful.
Homework:
STUDY FOR YOUR ODYSSEY QUIZ! The quiz involves the six questions below. The second involves answering questions regarding actual text from the epic. If you have read your book and the sections concerning annotating, you will do well.
Your QUIZ covering The Odyssey will take place on Monday, March 12th. I am actually considering giving it to you as a take home quiz, but I haven't come to a definite conclusion on that idea yet. We'll see......Anyway, I have posted the 6 questions for your quiz below. Remember that you will "blindly" CHOOSE ONE for your quiz. You may use your book, storyboard, and annotated pieces of text. The questions are essay in nature, and you MUST SUPPORT your ideas with examples from the The Odyssey. HINT: I would thoroughly consider each question making notes on each one. Those notes may be submitted for extra-credit points for your quiz.
#1. Trace Homer's thematic approach to "appearance vs. reality" in The Odyssey. Discuss the importance of this theme to events within the epic. Include three examples from your book and/or annotated texts to support your response.
#2. Discuss the literary element of Dramatic Irony found in The Odyssey. Remember that Dramatic Irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the character(s) within the text do not. Identify three examples of Dramatic Irony within the epic poem. An explanation as to why irony heightens the reader's interest in The Odyssey is compulsory.
#3. Discuss the thematic approach concerning "identity" in The Odyssey. An explanation regarding the positive and negative effects of maintaining anonymity in contrast to identifying oneself must be part of your response. Identify three examples from your textbook I or annotated texts to support your points.
#4. Discuss the characters of Penelope and Telemachus in association with being "worthy partners" for Odysseus. Support your response with three textual examples.
#5. The concept regarding "power of cunning over strength" is a valid theme in The Odyssey. Discuss this thematic view, and the role it plays in the epic poem. Support your points with three textual examples.
#6. The customs involving "guest and host" were highly venerated in ancient Greek culture. Homer clearly valued these customs, and he recognized the role of the gods if these customs were not followed. Support Homer's view by explaining and indicating three examples from your textbook and/or your annotated sources.
I hope your "day off" was beneficial for you.
If you missed class we completed the following:
1. We defined the word "MOTIF" and then identified several motifs for both epic poems.
2. You were then introduced to another assignment entitled "Dateline Troy/Ithaca" where the motifs will be useful.
Homework:
STUDY FOR YOUR ODYSSEY QUIZ! The quiz involves the six questions below. The second involves answering questions regarding actual text from the epic. If you have read your book and the sections concerning annotating, you will do well.
Your QUIZ covering The Odyssey will take place on Monday, March 12th. I am actually considering giving it to you as a take home quiz, but I haven't come to a definite conclusion on that idea yet. We'll see......Anyway, I have posted the 6 questions for your quiz below. Remember that you will "blindly" CHOOSE ONE for your quiz. You may use your book, storyboard, and annotated pieces of text. The questions are essay in nature, and you MUST SUPPORT your ideas with examples from the The Odyssey. HINT: I would thoroughly consider each question making notes on each one. Those notes may be submitted for extra-credit points for your quiz.
#1. Trace Homer's thematic approach to "appearance vs. reality" in The Odyssey. Discuss the importance of this theme to events within the epic. Include three examples from your book and/or annotated texts to support your response.
#2. Discuss the literary element of Dramatic Irony found in The Odyssey. Remember that Dramatic Irony occurs when the audience has knowledge that the character(s) within the text do not. Identify three examples of Dramatic Irony within the epic poem. An explanation as to why irony heightens the reader's interest in The Odyssey is compulsory.
#3. Discuss the thematic approach concerning "identity" in The Odyssey. An explanation regarding the positive and negative effects of maintaining anonymity in contrast to identifying oneself must be part of your response. Identify three examples from your textbook I or annotated texts to support your points.
#4. Discuss the characters of Penelope and Telemachus in association with being "worthy partners" for Odysseus. Support your response with three textual examples.
#5. The concept regarding "power of cunning over strength" is a valid theme in The Odyssey. Discuss this thematic view, and the role it plays in the epic poem. Support your points with three textual examples.
#6. The customs involving "guest and host" were highly venerated in ancient Greek culture. Homer clearly valued these customs, and he recognized the role of the gods if these customs were not followed. Support Homer's view by explaining and indicating three examples from your textbook and/or your annotated sources.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class today, we reviewed by obtaining information concerning Aeneus and then completing a time-line that helped indicate what events took place within The Iliad or The Odyssey. For those of you on Drama Tour, I will post this information for you tomorrow. I am writing from home, at the moment, and the time-line information is at school.
Please note the quotes for Odysseus, Ajax (greater) and Ajax (lesser) below. I have also posted a brief "practice quest" regarding the quote section of your quest. The images are too large to load. Realize that you have THREE SECTIONS to your QUEST:
1. Quotes: #1-#29
2. Time-line of Events: #30-#55
3. Images: #56-60
If you missed class today, we reviewed by obtaining information concerning Aeneus and then completing a time-line that helped indicate what events took place within The Iliad or The Odyssey. For those of you on Drama Tour, I will post this information for you tomorrow. I am writing from home, at the moment, and the time-line information is at school.
Please note the quotes for Odysseus, Ajax (greater) and Ajax (lesser) below. I have also posted a brief "practice quest" regarding the quote section of your quest. The images are too large to load. Realize that you have THREE SECTIONS to your QUEST:
1. Quotes: #1-#29
2. Time-line of Events: #30-#55
3. Images: #56-60
Odysseus, King of Ithaca, "inventor" of the Trojan Horse B1:1."When the moment came to stand by his sacred oath, Odysseus pretended to be mad, as it had been revealed to him in a prophecy that should he go to war, he would not return for twenty years. His duplicity was reveal when Palemedes placed Odysseus' son, Telemachus, in front of the plough. Odysseus avoided the child, proving he was of reasonable mind. He was compelled to join Menelaus' army.
2. "Once at war he proved to be a shrewd and wise general. In Greek myths the idea of the Wooden Horse, which defeated the Trojans and led to the destruction of the city, is Odysseus' idea."
B2:1. "Renowned for his eloquent and persuasive speaking, Odysseus was called upon many times to give advice. Although he fought bravely he preferred strategy to heroics."
2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."
B4:2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."
1. same as b2
2. same as b2
AJAX, the Greater
B1
1. "So awe inspiring Ajax, a tower of strength for the Greeks, rose and went into battle."
2. "He spoke little and slowly, but he had a good heart and tremendous courage."
B2
same as B4
B4
1."He is not wounded in any of the battles described in The Iliad, and he is the only principal character on either side who does not receive personal assistance from any of the gods who take part in the battles. "As such, he embodies the virtues of hard work and perseverance."
2. "They were soon rallied by Ajax, who, next to matchless Achilles, was the best-looking and best fighter of all the Greeks. He charged through the front of the line, fierce as a wild boar in the mountains who easily scatters the hounds and lively young huntsmen as it turns at bay in the glades. So glorious Ajax charged and easily scattered the ranks of Trojans, who had gathered round Patroclus and made up their minds that they were going to win the glory and drag his body into the city."
AJAX, the Lesser (Sorry, I couldn't find an image of him that I liked)
B1
1. "Ajax, not the great Ajax, of course, who was dead, but a lesser chieftain of the same name--tore her from the altar and dragged her from the sanctuary."
2."Not one Greek protested against the sacrilege. Athena's wrath was deep. She to Poseidon and laid her wrongs before him. "Help me to vengeance," she said. "Give the Greeks a bitter homecoming. Stir up the waters with wild whirlwinds when they sail. Let dead men choke the bays and line the shores and reefs."
B2
Presentation will occur on Thursday.
B4
1."Athena herself threw a thunderbolt at Ajax's ship and sank it, but he swam ashore boasting that he had defied the anger of the gods and escaped with is life."
2. "Yet there you are mouthing off as usual, and there is absolutely no need for it. There are many better men here than you, Ajax."
PRACTICE QUIZ
IDENTIFY the character from the underlined pronoun. Some characters may be used more than once!
1. He carried his lame and aged father and led his son, Ascanius, by the hand as the battlements burned to the ground. __________________________
2. "Take my armor. I am a man dishonored. I will not fight for men who have disgraced me. " __________
3. "When the Greeks sacked the city of Troy, she was in Athena's temple clinging to her image." _________
4. "A man that cannot live nobly can die nobly.' He drew his sword and killed himself." _____________
5."Not even for Achilles sake could he stay longer away from the battle. ___________________
6."He was brave and bold, but he was most famous for his cunning tricks, not normally associated with heroes." __________________
7. "A haunting net. Death's weapon of attack! And she who hunts is she who shared his bed." ___________
8. "He must stay with the women, and die as a woman, or join the battle with him. __________________
9."She knew that she must die so that the men could battle, although deceived, she bravely went to the alter."________________
10. "The cause of all this agony and death, yet as they looked at her, they could not feel any blame." ____________
11. "He was arrogant, deceitful and incredibly hateful toward the gods, especially Athena." ______________
12. "He took the girl, from Achilles, and therefore caused the destruction of so many." ______________
Cheers,
Crampton
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Iliad Character Monologue
Dear Mythology Kids,
Enjoy your LONG WEEKEND, cute kids, but work on your monologue assignment due on Thursday, Feb. 23rd! What did you miss today during class?
1. We completed the presentations for Achilles and Odysseus.
2. We read two sections from The Iliad. The first involving Hector's goodbye to Andromache and then the dialogue between Hector and Achilles.
3. I then explained your monologue assignment to you. Please see the information for the assignment below.
HOMEWORK:
1. Please read the second half of the epic poem found on pages 195-200.
2. Your test covering the poem will take place on Thursday, the 23rd. There are three parts to your test:
a. Quotes where you will need to identify who is speaker or who is being alluded to in the text
b. A timeline of Iliad or Odyssey events (we will review for this on Tuesday)
c. Images pertaining to events within the epic poem
START PREPARING NOW, my young friends, AS THE QUEST IS THOROUGH!
MONOLOGUE ASSIGNMENT
Explanation: The Iliad represents a literary work full of irony. In The Iliad, Homer uses dramatic irony particularly for the purpose of causing the reader to become sympathetic toward the characters. Your assignment involves writing a monologue for one of the Iliad's characters. Your piece needs to contain elements of irony associated with The Iliad and with mythological characters in general. Please see the following example.
CASSANDRA:
Welcome to my party, everyone, I am so thrilled that you could attend. I must remind you that our theme for this evening is "See everything, believe nothing." Allow me to remind you of the following.......There is danger looming ahead. Athena, are you listening? I can see our bleak future. I am doomed to know all the catastrophes that will befall us; yet, no one believes me. Therefore, hark, Paris, Prince of Troy. Are you daft, brother? Do not drink that apple punch; it smells oddly like death. You would be far from the fairest after tasting that disgusting and damaging drink Love will not even be able to set you free from your pain. I would not even have a piece of cake. Why, you ask? Can you not see the "cake server?" She's holding an axe, standing in a bath tub, holding an umbrella with holes in it. That vision makes no sense. Can you not see the signs of doom surrounding us? Wait...Paris, did you invite everyone on my guest list? Doing so is in accordance with Discord. We wouldn't want to offend anyone. Look there, Hades is the Lord of the Dead, yet he's the life of the party. Sisyphus refuses to rock and roll. Prometheus the titan gave us the gift of fire, but he's banned smoking. Honestly, I would have taken the gift of fire over truth. Ares has made peace with the fact that his brother, Apollo, isn't too bright. Narcissus just broke up with himself. Dionysus is sober and Icarus is high. Atlas is on top of the world. Zeus knows everything except how to spell the word omniscient, and Thor---What is Thor doing here? I don't think he was on the guest list. Midas has the golden touch, but thanks to Aphrodite he was a touch of herpes. Medusa was just stoned. Antigone is agreeable, and her father, Oedipus, brought a date that looks old enough to be his mother. And what do all these foreboding signs forebode? We are all doomed to die. Wait, a gift for me, from Odysseus. You really shouldn't have. What is...oh my...I love it...a horse. How did you know? Back to our theme....The Greeks are preparing to attack. They will lay siege to our city and destroy everyone within these walls. Why do you mock me? Ajax, your napkin is on the floor. You clearly need to do a much better job of cleaning up after yourself. I refuse to relent. What do you mean the party is over? We've only been celebrating for ten years.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. The monologue must "voice the thoughts" of a character from The Iliad.
2. The piece must reference or allude to a minimum of four mortal character from The Iliad.
3. The piece needs to reference of allude to a minimum of two gods associated with the poem.
4. The monologue needs to reference a minimum of six mythological characters NOT associated with the epic poem.
5. A minimum of six aspects of irony and/or puns must also be incorporated into your monologue. You will select two of the six aspects and explain why each are ironic.
6. Please use MLA format for your monologue (double space).
7. Identification of two requirements for numbers 2-5 need to appear below your monologue. You select the required aspects that you will justify. Please single space your explanations. Please note the following examples:
The piece must reference or allude to a minimum of four mortal characters from The Iliad
1. Paris is mentioned in association with choosing the "rotten" apple. This reference indicates the destruction that Paris causes due to selecting Aphrodite as the "fairest." It also indicates the havoc that Paris will cause himself due to giving the apple to Aphrodite. His demise occurs when he is hit with a hydra dipped arrow. His death is a slow and painful one, as his first wife, Oenone, had the ability to heal Paris of his wounds, but she refused to assist him due to his abandonment of her for Helen.
2. Clytemnestra
The piece needs to reference or allude to a minimum of two gods associated with the poem.
1. Athena is alluded to and reference in the line, "There is danger looming ahead. Athena, are you listening?" The word looming indicates her connection to weaving. It is also a pun in the sense that she "weaves" much of the danger imposed upon the characters within The Iliad. For example, she disguises herself as Deiphobus, Hector's brother, during his battle with Achilles. This clearly leads to his death.
2. Eris, the goddess of contention and discord is alluded to in the line, "Paris, did you invite everyone on my guest list? Doing so is an accordance with Discord" This line indicates that Eris/Discordia felt offended that she was not invited to the wedding of Peleus and Thetis, which, of course, cuased the vents that lead up to the Trojan War.
The monologue must reference or allude to a minimum of six mythological characters NOT associated with the poem.
1. The line, "Sisyphus is ready to rock and roll," clearly references the king from Corinth who was placed in the underworld due to his inappropriate sexual behavior. He is punished with pushing a boulder up a hill, always to have it come crashing down on him. The boulder represents his lack of ability to control his sexual desires.
2. The line, "Oedipus brought a date that is old enough to be his mother." is quite funny because Oedipus unknowingly killed his father and actually married his mother. Oedipus was destined to kill his father and marry his mother, so his parents decided to abandon him, in the hopes that he would die from the elements. He was saved by a shepherd, and adopted by the king of Corinth, Polybus. He had a dream where he killed his father. Not realizing that Polybus was not his actual father, he leaves Corinth, and heads for Thebes, the location of his birth. He meets a man on the highway that accosts him. Oedipus in turn killed the man in order to protect himself. He does not realize that his particular individual was in actuality his father. When he arrives at Thebes, the city is besieged by a monster known as the Sphinx, who will not allow any traveler to enter the city unless her riddled his answered correctly. Oedipus solves the puzzle, and the monster kills herself. For this, the people reward Oedipus their queen and he accepts their "gift." He does not realize that he has just married his mother.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
We completed the learning more about Cassandra, Ajax (the lesser), Ajax (the greater), Patroclus, Hector
HECTOR
We completed the learning more about Cassandra, Ajax (the lesser), Ajax (the greater), Patroclus, Hector
HECTOR
B1
1. "His glancing helm was everywhere and one gallant warrior after another fell beneath his terrible bronze spear. When evening ended the battle, the Trojans had driven the Greeks back almost to their ships."
2. "Apollo forbade Hector to enter upon a contest with Achilles, but when the two heroes met, they were protected by Apollo and Athena. The Trojans fled, but Hector, although called back by his parents in the most imploring terms, remained and awaited Achilles."
B2
1."If I kill you, I will give you back to your friends and you do the same for me."
2. "My doom has come upon me; let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that may be told among men hereafter."
B4
1. Same as b2
2. Same as b1
Odysseus, King of Ithaca, "inventor" of the Trojan Horse B1:1."When the moment came to stand by his sacred oath, Odysseus pretended to be mad, as it had been revealed to him in a prophecy that should he go to war, he would not return for twenty years. His duplicity was reveal when Palemedes placed Odysseus' son, Telemachus, in front of the plough. Odysseus avoided the child, proving he was of reasonable mind. He was compelled to join Menelaus' army.
2. "Once at war he proved to be a shrewd and wise general. In Greek myths the idea of the Wooden Horse, which defeated the Trojans and led to the destruction of the city, is Odysseus' idea."
B2:1. "Renowned for his eloquent and persuasive speaking, Odysseus was called upon many times to give advice. Although he fought bravely he preferred strategy to heroics."
2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."
2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Wednesday, February 8th and 10th, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
I thoroughly enjoy the moments in class when you read from The Iliad, as the story becomes genuine and you clearly make a connection with it. I valued listening to your performances....well done!
We discussed Menelaus, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra and Iphigenia today in class.
Menelaus, King of Sparta/Husband to Helen
B1:
1."Hear me also! This touches me most clearly. My mind is that the Acheans and the Trojans should now be reconciled. You have suffered enough this quarrel of mine and Paris. Call his grace, King Priam, as a witness, and we do not wish to violate this old man, he looks both before and behind, to see that the best is done for both sides."
2. " Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield then hurled his own. It rent Paris' but did not wound him. Menelaus drew his sword, his only weapon now, but as he did so it fell from his hand broken. Undaunted though unarmed he leaped upon Paris and seizing him...he would have dragged him to the Greeks victoriously if it had not been for Aphrodite saving him. "
B2:
1. "Menelaus and Helen received him graciously as their guest. The ties between guest and host were strong. Each was bound to help and never harm the other. But Paris broke that bond. Menelaus trusting completely to it left Paris in his home and went off to Crete."
2. "Later after Paris' death, the Trojans gave Helen to his brother Deiphobus, in whose house, on the night of the fall of Troy, Menelaus found her. He had meant to kill her on the spot, but her beauty and Aphrodite's power deterred him."
B4:
1. "Menelaus saw who was making the challenge and was as glad as a lion coming on the carcass of a wild goat....He stood and looked at his rival with contempt."
2. Same as the second quote for B1..refer to the second quote for B1.
B4:
1. "Agamemnon had been forewarned about the danger of returning home with Cassandra, yet his pride blinded him and he thought himself invinsible. He was vulnerable because he refused to listen to Cassandra, so Clytemnestra killed him."
2. Same as the second quote for B2
B1:
1. " She saw no reason to explain her act or excuse it. She was not a murderer in her own eyes, she was an executioner. She had punished and murdered the murderer of his own child."
2. "Dark red stains were on her dress, her hands, her face, yet she herself looked unshaken, strongly sure of herself...It was his blood that stained her dress and face and she was glad."
B2:
1: Same quote as b1
2: Same quote as b1
B4:
1. Same quote as b1
2. "Here lies my husband dead, struck down justly by my hand."
B4:
I thoroughly enjoy the moments in class when you read from The Iliad, as the story becomes genuine and you clearly make a connection with it. I valued listening to your performances....well done!
We discussed Menelaus, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra and Iphigenia today in class.
Menelaus, King of Sparta/Husband to Helen
B1:
1."Hear me also! This touches me most clearly. My mind is that the Acheans and the Trojans should now be reconciled. You have suffered enough this quarrel of mine and Paris. Call his grace, King Priam, as a witness, and we do not wish to violate this old man, he looks both before and behind, to see that the best is done for both sides."
2. " Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield then hurled his own. It rent Paris' but did not wound him. Menelaus drew his sword, his only weapon now, but as he did so it fell from his hand broken. Undaunted though unarmed he leaped upon Paris and seizing him...he would have dragged him to the Greeks victoriously if it had not been for Aphrodite saving him. "
B2:
1. "Menelaus and Helen received him graciously as their guest. The ties between guest and host were strong. Each was bound to help and never harm the other. But Paris broke that bond. Menelaus trusting completely to it left Paris in his home and went off to Crete."
2. "Later after Paris' death, the Trojans gave Helen to his brother Deiphobus, in whose house, on the night of the fall of Troy, Menelaus found her. He had meant to kill her on the spot, but her beauty and Aphrodite's power deterred him."
B4:
1. "Menelaus saw who was making the challenge and was as glad as a lion coming on the carcass of a wild goat....He stood and looked at his rival with contempt."
2. Same as the second quote for B1..refer to the second quote for B1.
Burial mask discovered by Henrik Scheilmann. Scheilmann thought he had discovered the mask of Agamemnon. He was actually incorrect, as the funeral mask is several hundred years older than the Agamemnon of history.
B1:
1. "Artemis was so angry. One of her beloved wild creatures, a hare, had been slain by the Greeks, together with her young, and the only way to create the winds and ensure a safe voyage to Troy was to appease her by sacrificing to her a royal maiden, Iphigenia....He dared the deed, slaying his child to help a war."
2. "Agamemnon, in Greek Mythology, was King of Mycenae, and a commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. When the Greeks had assembled at Aulis for their voyage to Troy they were held back by adverse winds. Agamemnon had killed one of Artemis' sacred hares and the young; she was angry with Agamemnon's arrogance, so she caused the winds to blow unceasingly. To punish Agamemnon, she required the sacrifice of his eldest daughter Iphigenia. "
B2:
1. ""Agamemnon sent a letter to Clytemnestra and their child, Iphigenia, asking them to come and join them at Aulis, where Iphigenia he said was going to be married to the great Achilles."
2. "He insulted the goddess Artemis by bragging that he was a better hunter than she and by killing a sacred hare. As punishment, Artemis caused the winds to blow so hard that the Greek fleet could not set sail."
1. "Artemis was so angry. One of her beloved wild creatures, a hare, had been slain by the Greeks, together with her young, and the only way to create the winds and ensure a safe voyage to Troy was to appease her by sacrificing to her a royal maiden, Iphigenia....He dared the deed, slaying his child to help a war."
2. "Agamemnon, in Greek Mythology, was King of Mycenae, and a commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. When the Greeks had assembled at Aulis for their voyage to Troy they were held back by adverse winds. Agamemnon had killed one of Artemis' sacred hares and the young; she was angry with Agamemnon's arrogance, so she caused the winds to blow unceasingly. To punish Agamemnon, she required the sacrifice of his eldest daughter Iphigenia. "
B2:
1. ""Agamemnon sent a letter to Clytemnestra and their child, Iphigenia, asking them to come and join them at Aulis, where Iphigenia he said was going to be married to the great Achilles."
2. "He insulted the goddess Artemis by bragging that he was a better hunter than she and by killing a sacred hare. As punishment, Artemis caused the winds to blow so hard that the Greek fleet could not set sail."
B4:
1. "Agamemnon had been forewarned about the danger of returning home with Cassandra, yet his pride blinded him and he thought himself invinsible. He was vulnerable because he refused to listen to Cassandra, so Clytemnestra killed him."
2. Same as the second quote for B2
Clytemnestra, Queen of Mycenae, wife to Agamemnon, mother to Iphigenia, sister to Helen of Sparta
B1:
1. " She saw no reason to explain her act or excuse it. She was not a murderer in her own eyes, she was an executioner. She had punished and murdered the murderer of his own child."
2. "Dark red stains were on her dress, her hands, her face, yet she herself looked unshaken, strongly sure of herself...It was his blood that stained her dress and face and she was glad."
B2:
1: Same quote as b1
2: Same quote as b1
B4:
1. Same quote as b1
2. "Here lies my husband dead, struck down justly by my hand."
Sacrifice of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra
B1:
1. "When she came to her wedding she was carried to the alter to be killed by her father."
2. "She would only send a favorable wind if the king propitiated her by offering up Iphigenia, the most beautiful of his daughters, as a sacrifice to the goddess."
1. "When she came to her wedding she was carried to the alter to be killed by her father."
2. "She would only send a favorable wind if the king propitiated her by offering up Iphigenia, the most beautiful of his daughters, as a sacrifice to the goddess."
B2:
1. Same as B1
2. "Iphigenia was a tragic heroine. She was the first person to have her life flipped upside down because of the Trojan War and it was her death which allowed the Greek fleet to set sail for Troy. Iphigenia was extremely brave and she is the reason why the entire war was able to continue."
1. Same as B1
2. "Iphigenia was a tragic heroine. She was the first person to have her life flipped upside down because of the Trojan War and it was her death which allowed the Greek fleet to set sail for Troy. Iphigenia was extremely brave and she is the reason why the entire war was able to continue."
B4:
1. same as b1
Journal #9 "Clytemnestra's Defense"
Do you agree with Clytemnestra's defense that "She is not a murderer but an executioner." According to Clytemnestra, Agamemnon deserved to be removed from the world because he possessed no likeable traits. He killed Cytemnestra's first husband, Tantalus, and their child. Then he proceeded to sacrifice Iphigenia to Artemis.
Is Clytemnestra's act justified? Consider the following abstract regarding the Greek play,"Agamemnon," by Euripides.
Journal #9 "Clytemnestra's Defense"
Do you agree with Clytemnestra's defense that "She is not a murderer but an executioner." According to Clytemnestra, Agamemnon deserved to be removed from the world because he possessed no likeable traits. He killed Cytemnestra's first husband, Tantalus, and their child. Then he proceeded to sacrifice Iphigenia to Artemis.
Is Clytemnestra's act justified? Consider the following abstract regarding the Greek play,"Agamemnon," by Euripides.
"Without a hint of shame, the Queen describes how she killed Agamemnon with an ax, after using a heavy net to trap him in his bath. She tells the Chorus that he was evil and deserved to die. They declare that she will be driven out of Mycenae and shunned by all men for her crime. She rebuffs their reproach by pointing out their hypocrisy; none of them protested when Agamemnon killed her innocent daughter, Iphigenia. The murder of her husband is justified, she insists, because it avenges his crime. Now Agamemnon can lie dead alongside Cassandra, who shared his bed."
February 6th, 2012
Monday, February 6th, 2012
Introduction to PRIAM, PARIS and HELEN
First day of Iliad Character Presentations
Dear Mythology Kids,
For Monday, February 6th we discussed three characters. These included Priam, Helen, and Paris. I have included an image of each character below, and the quotes that were chosen by the groups for each class. I would review the quotes for EACH CLASS, as doing so will give you insights into each character, and the QUOTES will appear on your "Iliad Quest."
HOMEWORK:
Please read/annotate/notate the information entitled "The Iliad" for Wednesday. Please include 7-10 for the first page and 5-7 for the second. All the colors may be used for this assignment.
Priam, King of Troy, begging Achilles to relinquish the body of Hector
B1/B2:
1. "I have endured what no other mortal on the face of the earth has yet endured, to reach forth my hand to the face of him that has slain my sons."
2. " So accompanied the old man past the guards and came into the presence of the man who had killed and maltreated his son. He clasped his knees and kissed his hands and as he did so, Achilles felt awe and so did all the other there....."
B4:
1. "Priam was killed by Neopotolemus, the son of Achilles. Achilles had spared Priam, but Achilles' son struck him down before the eyes of his wife and daughters."
2. ""In Greek Mythology, Priam was the last king of Troy, a ruler who witnessed the destruction of his city in the Trojan War. His son Paris caused the war, while another son, Hector, became the greatest Trojan hero during the long struggle with the Greeks."
Paris, Prince of TroyB1:
1. "Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world would be his."
2. "Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last."
B2:
1. "Paris himself, who had not fought at all, except to throw his spear, she caught up in a cloud and took him back to Helen."
2. "His single combat with Menelaus, Helen's husband, was suppose to have settled the outcome of the whole war. Instead it revealed Paris as a coward, who only escaped through the intervention of Aphrodite."
B4:
1. "In Sparta, Menelaus, husband of Helen, treated Paris as a royal guest. However, when Menelaus left Sparta for a funeral, Paris abducted Helen and also carried off much of Menelaus' wealth."
2. "What men care for most was set before him. Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world should be his. Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last. He gave Aphrodite the golden apple."
Helen, "the face that launched a thousand ships"
B1:
1. "Then Priam brought Hector home, mourned in Troy as never another, even Helen wept. 'The other Trojans upbraided me, ' she said, 'but always I had comfort from you through your gentleness of spirit and your kind words. You were only my friend."
2. "The most fascinating things about Helen was her story. It was far better than she was. We do not see any real character development in her and have to regard her as a a pawn of the gods. The larger story is involved with the people around her, their rise and fall. She herself seemed oblivious to the horrors that surrounded her."
B2
1. "If only death had pleased me then, grim death, that day I followed your son to Troy, forsaking my marriage bed, my kinsmen and my children."
2. "Never set food on Mt. Olympus ...never! ---suffer Paris, protect Paris, for eternity....until he makes you his wedded wife---that or his slave. Not I, I'll never go back again. It would be wrong, disgraceful to share that coward's bed once more."
B4
1. "Aphrodite led Paris to Sparta, the home of a Greek prince named Menelaus. Helen, his wife was considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris fell in love with Helen and carried her off to Troy."
2. "When Menelaus returned home and discovered Helen gone, he called on the leaders of Greece, who had sworn to support him if necessary. The Greeks organized a great expedition and set sail for Troy. Their arrival at Troy marked the beginning of the Trojan War."
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
What did I miss today?
1. We reviewed the Heracles myth and discussed specific questions.
2. I then distributed the quizzes and each student recorded the particular questions that they are required to answer.
3. JOURNAL #9 "Disastrous Disney"
We watched the frist 15 minutes of Disney's Hercules and identitied errors in relationship to the Hercules myth and errors regarding mythology in general.
4. We began our discussion regarding TROY
Homework:
1. Your Quiz covering Heracles is due on WEDNESDAY If you missed class, please stop by my room so I can give you the particular questions you will be answering.
2. Your mythological allusions quiz that was not completed in class last week is also due on WEDNESDAY. I returned the quz to each student, as we did not have time durng class to complete it. Please make sure you finish it for WEDNESDAY!
3. You will have a quiz on FRIDAY covering the introductory material covering Troy!
In order to be prepared for Friday's quiz, please familiarize yourself with the following:
1.Did the Trojan War actually take place? If so, what was the cause?
2. Why is Henrik Scheilmann important to Troy?
3. Explain Scheilmann's archaeological approach? Why was it inappropriate?
4. How is the "Mound of Hissarlik" significant to Scheilmann?
5. Eris' golden apple....How is it relevant to The Iliad's plot line?
6. How does The Iliad begin?
7. Why are the events within The Iliad relevant to events within The Odyssey?
8. Make sure you can define the term "epic."
THIS IS THE HANDOUT used in our class discussion regarding Homer's Iliad. Please cut and paste it as a Word document and ten place it in your binder. We started working on this in class, but we did not complete it; we will do so on Wed.
Introduction:
What is an epic?
The Iliad is about:
Ilium:
Acheans:
The Odyssey is about:
Did the Trojan War actually take place and what was the cause?
Who discovered the ancient city of Troy?
“Road Map:”
“Schliemann's scar:”
Using a well read copy of The Iliad as his reference guide, he chose a spot on the Asian coast of Turkey called the Mound of Hissarlik, and began digging for the famous city of Troy. In the course of four years, he uncovered nine successive cities built on top of each other. The sixth city he declared the “City of Troy,” or as Schliemann called it the “Burnt City.” Later archaeologists through carbon dating and additional archaeological discoveries, proved that Schliemann's choice was accurate. What was once thought to be myth had been proven historically correct.
What we know about Homer.....
Many scholars have asked the question, “Were the epic poems of The Iliad and The Odyssey written by one poet or were they collective efforts on the part of several poets?” We will never know the answer to this question. Most scholars agree that “a Homer” existed, that he lived in the 8th or 9th century B.C., and that he was a well-known poet. Some references to Homer indicate that he was blind, which has been interpreted as a “sign of his greatness.” We know that Homer had a strong command of the written language, and that at one point he could see. His love for beauty and gory details are too advanced, especially for someone who might have been blind his entire life. He lived about 500 years after the events at Troy; therefore, the story he told was not original with him, but had been passed down in the oral tradition of the times.
Allow me to share two excerpts from The Iliad with you.
“...the spear of bronze went through
Below the brain and shattered the white bones,
Dashed out his teeth, and filled his eyes with blood;
And blood he spurted gaping through his mouth
And nose; and death's dark cloud encompassed him.”
Book XVI, lines 345-350
“Then answered Hector of the flashing helm,
His strength all gone: 'I beg thee by my life,
Thy knees, thy parents, leave me not for dogs
Of the Acheans by the ship to eat,
But rather take abundant stores of bronze and gold-
My king and queenly mother will give it thee-
And render back my body to my home,
So that the Trojans and the Trojans' wives
May give me due meed of fire in death.'
But scowling at him swift Achilles said,
“Do not entreat me, dog, by knees or parents ,
I only wish I had the heart and will
To hack the flesh off thee and eat it raw......”
Book XXII, lines 317-330
Posted by Crampton at 7:09 PM
What did I miss today?
1. We reviewed the Heracles myth and discussed specific questions.
2. I then distributed the quizzes and each student recorded the particular questions that they are required to answer.
3. JOURNAL #9 "Disastrous Disney"
We watched the frist 15 minutes of Disney's Hercules and identitied errors in relationship to the Hercules myth and errors regarding mythology in general.
4. We began our discussion regarding TROY
Homework:
1. Your Quiz covering Heracles is due on WEDNESDAY If you missed class, please stop by my room so I can give you the particular questions you will be answering.
2. Your mythological allusions quiz that was not completed in class last week is also due on WEDNESDAY. I returned the quz to each student, as we did not have time durng class to complete it. Please make sure you finish it for WEDNESDAY!
3. You will have a quiz on FRIDAY covering the introductory material covering Troy!
In order to be prepared for Friday's quiz, please familiarize yourself with the following:
1.Did the Trojan War actually take place? If so, what was the cause?
2. Why is Henrik Scheilmann important to Troy?
3. Explain Scheilmann's archaeological approach? Why was it inappropriate?
4. How is the "Mound of Hissarlik" significant to Scheilmann?
5. Eris' golden apple....How is it relevant to The Iliad's plot line?
6. How does The Iliad begin?
7. Why are the events within The Iliad relevant to events within The Odyssey?
8. Make sure you can define the term "epic."
THIS IS THE HANDOUT used in our class discussion regarding Homer's Iliad. Please cut and paste it as a Word document and ten place it in your binder. We started working on this in class, but we did not complete it; we will do so on Wed.
Introduction:
What is an epic?
The Iliad is about:
Ilium:
Acheans:
The Odyssey is about:
Did the Trojan War actually take place and what was the cause?
Who discovered the ancient city of Troy?
“Road Map:”
“Schliemann's scar:”
Using a well read copy of The Iliad as his reference guide, he chose a spot on the Asian coast of Turkey called the Mound of Hissarlik, and began digging for the famous city of Troy. In the course of four years, he uncovered nine successive cities built on top of each other. The sixth city he declared the “City of Troy,” or as Schliemann called it the “Burnt City.” Later archaeologists through carbon dating and additional archaeological discoveries, proved that Schliemann's choice was accurate. What was once thought to be myth had been proven historically correct.
What we know about Homer.....
Many scholars have asked the question, “Were the epic poems of The Iliad and The Odyssey written by one poet or were they collective efforts on the part of several poets?” We will never know the answer to this question. Most scholars agree that “a Homer” existed, that he lived in the 8th or 9th century B.C., and that he was a well-known poet. Some references to Homer indicate that he was blind, which has been interpreted as a “sign of his greatness.” We know that Homer had a strong command of the written language, and that at one point he could see. His love for beauty and gory details are too advanced, especially for someone who might have been blind his entire life. He lived about 500 years after the events at Troy; therefore, the story he told was not original with him, but had been passed down in the oral tradition of the times.
Allow me to share two excerpts from The Iliad with you.
“...the spear of bronze went through
Below the brain and shattered the white bones,
Dashed out his teeth, and filled his eyes with blood;
And blood he spurted gaping through his mouth
And nose; and death's dark cloud encompassed him.”
Book XVI, lines 345-350
“Then answered Hector of the flashing helm,
His strength all gone: 'I beg thee by my life,
Thy knees, thy parents, leave me not for dogs
Of the Acheans by the ship to eat,
But rather take abundant stores of bronze and gold-
My king and queenly mother will give it thee-
And render back my body to my home,
So that the Trojans and the Trojans' wives
May give me due meed of fire in death.'
But scowling at him swift Achilles said,
“Do not entreat me, dog, by knees or parents ,
I only wish I had the heart and will
To hack the flesh off thee and eat it raw......”
Book XXII, lines 317-330
Posted by Crampton at 7:09 PM
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday, January 19th, 2012
Dear Mythology Kids,
I appreciate you venerating our substitute while I was not well. I have included the information for your quiz covering Hercules or is it Heralces on Monday.
I appreciate you venerating our substitute while I was not well. I have included the information for your quiz covering Hercules or is it Heralces on Monday.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
YOUR MOSAICS are BREATHTAKING! I am transfixed by your aesthetic abilities!
If you missed class on Tuesday, January 11th, 2012 you were introduced to the concepts of "Allusion" and "Reference," and the role of mythological allusions and references found in literary work. Please visit with a classmate in order to obtain this information.
I used Icarus as my focus for emphasizing how frequently references and allusions to mythology arise in literary work. This, of course, is due to the fact that universal themes are always prevalent within the myths; therefore, audiences of all types can connect with the themes that are used.
HOMEWORK:1. Your Mythological Allusions assignment is due on Tuesday., Jan. 17th. If you missed class, please visit with a friend and then stop by and chat with me, so that I can give you the explanation sheets for your assignment.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
We had a history lesson today concerning Theseus and the Minotaur!
If you missed class, this is what we did:
1. You had a history lesson on the Minoan culture and their connection to the myth of "Theseus and the Minotaur." Please visit with someone in class, concerning this information.
2. You saw several different images associated with the Minoan culture and how certain practices relate to the myth.
3. Journal #5 "Minoan Culture:Points of Interest"
We viewed a video clip concerning the Minoan culture and recorded a minimum of 10 points that we found engaging.
HOMEWORK:
1. Please read "Theseus and the Minotaur" pgs. 155-165 for FRIDAY.
2. Please read "Daedalus" pgs. 144-145 for FRIDAY, as well.
3. YOUR QUIZ WILL TAKE PLACE ON FRIDAY. You will "be caught in the labyrinth" of T.H.S. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
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